FLUORESCENT LIGHTING INVERTER

The photos show two 40 watt fluorescent tubes driven from a 12v battery supply. As fluorescent tubes emit a lot more light than the equivalent wattage of a globe, the advantage is a lot more illumination from the available solar panel.

Originally I built this project to provide lighting for a chook shed as it was too far from the SEC to justify the expense of running a 240v line.

Below are a few photographs of the finished project.

A large view of the two inverters.

The two inverter circuits fitted into a twin 40W light fitting.

Light fitting mounted on the inside wall (note the empty starter holes; no starter, no flicker).

Light switch mounted in plastic project case. Red & Green LED’s indicate if the light is switched on or off. The battery cable is connected to a 12v battery on the ground. (While a solar panel on the roof keeps it charged).